News

Ben-my-Chree departs for regulatory overhaul

23/4/2019

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company vessel Ben-my-Chree will sail to Cammell Laird in Birkenhead tomorrow (Wednesday 24th April) where she will go into dry dock for one week for her annual regulatory overhaul.

The vessel will return to service on Thursday 2nd May.

Fast craft Manannan will operate passenger services to both Heysham and Liverpool during this period, as per the timetable published last autumn. MV Arrow, which the Steam Packet Company currently has on charter, will provide freight services.

During the overhaul, Manannan will depart Douglas for Heysham at 08:00 and for Liverpool at 15:30 each day, with the return sailings departing Heysham at 12:00 and Liverpool at 19:15.

A replacement coach service will be provided at Heysham to transfer foot passengers to and from Lancaster railway station.

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘It’s a mandatory requirement that Ben-my-Chree undergoes a technical overhaul to ensure everything is in good working order.

‘To minimise disruption for our passengers we published Manannan’s revised schedule well in advance and ensured we still sail to and from both Heysham and Liverpool daily. During the overhaul, there will also be a coach to and from Lancaster Station to assist foot passengers travelling via Heysham.

‘MV Arrow will provide freight services so local businesses and island residents will not be affected while she is in dry dock.

‘Ben-My-Chree will soon be back and ready for another busy summer season.’